Nola Contender and Martin Logan Electro-MotionESL

I've heard the new Martin Logan and it's stunning. I need to add that I am biased toward ML having been a dealer and owning over 10 different pairs and currently use a pair of CLSIIA's. Still, these are really, really good for the money.

Never heard the Nola's, so I can't comment on them.

I heard both at the recent Newport show. They are both excellent but I prefer the detail of the logans.

I am getting dwifty in my old age; I initiated the same thread two weeks ago. Nevertheless, thank you for answering the thread.

I think there is a malaise sweepting through this website. I never seen such a lack of enthusiasm within the membership for audio topics; also seems like in certain categories, there is less to buy.

Sorry to get off track; could you inform as to what in particular, you like about the Martin Logan, Electro-Motion ESL speakers. i would have thought the NOLA have the upper hand becasue of their bass, and dynamic range, both of which are generally missing in ML speakers In your opinion, what traditional box "higher end" speaker ( beside the NOLA Contender) might the EM's be able to out perform. I am helping a friend to buy a system and he like the design of ML's Will appreciate any comments you can provide Thank you, Jim

Jim - I agree that this site and the high end hobby is slowing. Home theater is the only thing keeping audio alive now. People dismiss the "2 channel is dead" theory but the numbers don't lie and the demographic is dying out and high end audio is a shrinking niche market.

Regarding speakers, I too am biased towards Martin Logans and electrostats in general but I also realize their weaknesses. After years of headphone listening I started to become disenchanted with a lack of detail in most speakers which led me to the Logans. I use a sub to get around the lack of bass problem but lack of dynamics is something I live with in exchange for the incredible transparency. Cones do have more meat on the bones sound vs electrostats which sound a little less fleshy. Hard to describe really. I am 100% happy with my ML Aeon-i's and ML Dyanamo subs (2). If I were shopping in that price range again I would listen to the Nolas, Martin Logans, Magnepans, smaller Vandersteens, and Gallos.

I would not overlook the ML Source if you can live with it's limitations.